Suri had a routene vet appointment this evening (shots, wormer, etc). During her physical exam I received some scary news: she has juvenile cataracts in BOTH eyes, as well as a heart murmur. The vet is unsure if the cataracts will progress through her life and could jeopardize her eyesight. The vet is also unsure as to how severe the murmur will be, or if it will correct itself as she matures.

Im NOT happy to have an unsound kitten from a 'good' breeder, especially from the breeding stock Suri came from. If I contact her breeder with my concerns, he will likely offer a refund or replacement as per his health contract. I dont WANT a refund or a new kitten. I LOVE Suri. Theres no way I could just give her back. But Im worried about these potential health issues....

What do you do? First calm down! Heart murmurs are very common in bengals due to the limited early gene pool. Raiden has a Grade 2 murmur. Your vet should be able to classify it with a Grade. Grade 1 is the least severe and I think it goes up to Grade 5. Raiden's has not changed in 8 years. As for the cataracts, they can be common in cats. There are vets specializing in cardiology and ophthalmology that can better help you understand the severity (or not) of these conditions. I think people tend to forget that the bengal breed is quite new and if you go back through the pedigree, you will find the same cats over and over and over again. Most bengals don't seem to be much past an F9. That's just the way it is. You've got a lot of time and money invested in Suri and she's bonded with you. It's possible the cataracts won't interfere with her vision and her heart murmur will be a low grade that is not that serious. That being said, the breeder needs to be aware of this information and you need to keep Suri. She can still live a long and happy life.

I'm so sorry for the news you received. In my opinion, it just makes her that much more lovable. She needs your care and love with or without any health issues. I'd be concerned, that's for damn sure, because I worry about everything. But it doesn't change who little Suri is! Just makes her that much more unique and especially yours.

I would let the breeder know for sure. Just so they can review their breeding program if nothing else. And I would get a referral to specialists for heart and eyes so you can make sure you know what she needs to live a long and happy life.

Thanks, everyone. Youre right....I suppose it DOES make her even more special as she may need special care. Im still totally obsessed with her. Lol...

I went ahead and emailed her breeder. Hopefully it will be well received and that it doesnt make me sound petty or anything. Heres what I said:

"Suri had a routene vet appointment yesterday for updated shots, worming, etc. During her exam, the vet observed a heart murmur, as well as small cataracts in BOTH of Suri's eyes. She is unsure as to how the heart murmur and cataracts will develop. Further evaluation with EKGs and an eye specialist will be needed to decide the proper care of Suri's health.

I was advised to contact you with these concerns, as it appears to be a congenital defect.

I am NOT looking to complain, request a refund or anything else....I am very attached to Suri and she is very attached to me. I simply wanted to give you a heads up that there is a congenital issue with her genetics should her parents be bred together again."

I think you did the right thing, and that the email was well-worded. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this news, though. Hopefully you will get more information from the specialists. Good luck to you both!

Your email to the breeder could not have been worded any better. There is no way she should take offense to what you said. Please know that Suri can live a long, long life with these conditions. Having specialists check out her heart and eyes will be the key and can put your mind at ease. I know this has been a shock to you -- poor Suri doesn't know anything is wrong. Hang in there. Just remember ... we are here for you!

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